After the Kahramanmaraş earthquake, search and rescue efforts in the surrounding provinces continue. Many citizens, trapped under the rubble and left outside because their homes were damaged, are looking for ways to avoid hypothermia. Citizens, what is hypothermia on the agenda? How to detect hypothermia, what are the symptoms? What to do about hypothermia? looking for answers to his questions.
WHAT IS HYPOTHERMIA?
Hypothermia is a medical emergency that occurs when the human body loses the heat needed to function faster than it produces, causing the body temperature to drop dangerously. Normal body temperature is around 37 C. The diagnosis of hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops below 35°C. The signs and symptoms of the condition vary according to the low body temperature.
The heart, nervous system and other organs of individuals whose body temperature drops cannot function normally. If hypothermia is left untreated in a timely manner, it can lead to complete disruption of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and eventually to death.
WHAT ARE HYPOTHERMIA SYMPTOMS?
Shivering is the first of the signs and symptoms of hypothermia. Shivering is the first symptom that is noticed when the body temperature starts to drop, as it is the body’s reflex defense to warm itself against the cold.
Other signs and symptoms of hypothermia include loss of consciousness, slurred speech or murmuring, confusion or memory loss, clumsiness or lack of coordination, tremors, lethargy or very low energy, slow and light breathing, weak pulse, and bright red, cold skin, especially in infants. .
In many cases of hypothermia, the individual is unaware of the condition due to the slow development of signs and symptoms. However, the confusion associated with hypothermia also hinders awareness of the condition. Confusion can also lead to risky behavior.
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO REDUCE THE RISK OF HYPOTHERMIA?
- Before going outside, the weather should be checked and the time spent outside in cold weather should be limited.
- In order to maintain body temperature, especially the head, face and neck areas should be covered in cold weather.
- Activities that may cause excessive sweating should be avoided.
- A windproof jacket, gloves, boots, hat and scarf should be worn.
- Loose layered and light clothing should be worn. (Wool, silk, or polypropylene inner layers retain more body heat than cotton.)
- Swimming for a long time should be avoided, and it should be ensured that water-repellent clothing is worn in the rain and snow. In summary, it should be kept as dry as possible.
- Alcohol, cigarettes, caffeine and some drugs can increase susceptibility to cold.
- Hypothermia can also occur at home. It should be ensured that there is sufficient heating facility in the houses, especially for the elderly people.
- Insulated boots should be worn.
- Young children and infants are at high risk from extreme cold and can develop hypothermia very quickly because their body size is so small. It is important to cover the heads of young children and babies if they are outside in cold weather.
- Those with diabetes or circulation problems should see their doctor regularly to reduce the risk of blood vessel complications that can put them at risk for hypothermia.
HOW IS HYPOTHERMIA TREATED?
When helping a person with hypothermia, it is necessary to act gently. Only necessary movements should be made. Massage or rubbing should be avoided. Extreme and hard movements can stop the heartbeat. The individual with hypothermia should be removed from the cold and, if possible, taken to a warm and dry place. Otherwise, it should be protected from cold and wind as much as possible. It may be necessary to keep the individual in a horizontal position, but the body should be isolated from the cold ground. Outdoors, the individual can be laid on a blanket or another person.
If the individual’s clothing is wet, it should be removed. Where necessary, clothing should be cut to avoid excessive movement. Layers of dry blankets or coats can ideally be used to warm individuals. The head should be covered so that only the face is exposed.
In severe cases of hypothermia, individuals may lose consciousness without any obvious signs of pulse or breathing. In situations where breathing stops or becomes dangerously weak, trained individuals can provide CPR.
It is necessary to avoid using direct heating devices such as hot water, heating pad or heating lamp to warm the individual. Extreme heat can damage the skin or cause irregular heartbeats severe enough to cause the heart to stop. If the individual is awake and has no trouble swallowing, it may be helpful to provide a warm, non-alcoholic, sweet, caffeine-free beverage to warm the body. A temporary compress can be made with warm and dry compresses or a towel warmed in a plastic bottle or dryer. The compress should only be applied to the neck, chest wall or groin area. Early heat applied to the arms and legs can send cold blood back to the heart, lungs, and brain, causing the body temperature in these areas to drop further.